Advice on handling tricky interview questions

todds_wife

Ok, so hypothetically I get an interview for a company outside of the higher ed field.

Let's say the person conducting the interview asks me why I am looking outside of the field - the truth of the matter is I am just not attached to Higher Ed in my heart or even my mind at this point.  I am less interested in a specific industry than I am in fully using the skills I have in a place where they will actually make a difference in the daily outcome of the office.

Does this make me sound flighty?  Because to be honest when it comes to higher education, it is kind of the one place where they might glance at the skill set you have built, but all they are really looking at is "does she have a degree that I think is high enough?"  - and when you are looking at a place where the lowest assistants on the totem pole tend to have Master's degrees (and make way less than me,) their answer about me is always going to be "no."

What is a good way to answer the "why are you leaving your job" type question, when a very good portion of the choice is totally financially driven?

 

coloradogirl06

I think really emphasizing your last sentence about using your skills is the best thing you can do. I think the other part of your explanation is good as well, but that is the strongest part. Be prepared to give examples.

DruidPrincess

I have tended to emphasize my desire to broaden my experience, as well as to bring my current expertise to a new field/industry and incorporate my own contributions as well as to improve myself by acquiring new knowledge and expertise.  And just be honest - any normal working adult out there wants to move onward and upward, and any worthwhile employee works not just to improve their own situation but that of the staff/company wherein they work. 

I've also indicated honestly to the interviewer(s) that I'm a career office person:  I'm a woman who likes going to a job, executing it with excellence and constantly striving for improvement and progression.  That's an answer anyone would want to hear if they think you might be their person.

velocitygrl

Focus on the positives- your answer is a pretty good one, but ditto PP on stating that you are looking for new challenges and would like to see your skills put to use in the interviewing company's field.  I think another good thing to add is to highlight why you think the new company's field is exciting or interesting, or why it is something you would like to learn about.  But try to be sincere and specific about the things you say you would like to learn, and that will require some research about their industry and it's challenges before the interview.  If you're way too vague or say something that is flat out wrong that is a negative.